Fast cars, Froot Loops, and poops! This episode has it all, brought to you by psychology researchers who put rats in little rat-sized cars. Spoiler: Rats are better at learning how to drive if they’ve played with more toys and friends.

Key Words

corticosterone, cortisol, DHEA, emotional resilience, enrichment, fecal bolus, Froot Loops, group housing, hormones, maze, mental health, Morris water maze, neuroplasticity, pair housing, reward, rodent operated vehicle (ROV), stimulus, stress

Old West Word of the Day (Gap Junction Almanac)

I dad!

 

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References and Resources

Primary research paper: Enriched environment exposure accelerates rodent driving skills

Articles

• Scientists Teach Rats To Drive, Rats Find It Actually Pretty Relaxing
• Teaching Rats To Drive Tiny Cars Helps Them Relax, Scientists Discover

Other resources from corrections

• Adult ADHD: Risk Factor for Dementia or Phenotypic Mimic?
• What Happened? Alcohol, Memory Blackouts, and the Brain

 

Music

Bushwick Tarantella by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300002

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Modified from original with volume fading and cuts

 

Disclaimer

This podcast is for entertainment and education only. Neither of the hosts is a medical doctor, and nothing they say is medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making decisions about your health.